The morning sun rose over the training ground, casting long shadows across the scarred earth. Nero and Khione stood facing each other, their bodies still humming with the exertion of the previous days. The air was cool, carrying the scent of dew and freshly turned soil. Neither spoke. Words were unnecessary.
Khione's eyes burned with a fierce determination. She had lost too many matches. She refused to lose again. Nero, using only his Law of Water, was fighting with one hand tied behind his back. If she could not win against him in this state, she would never catch up. She had to win. She would win.
Nero read her resolve in the set of her jaw, the fire in her gaze. He understood. But he would not be lenient. He would push her, test her, force her to grow. That was what she needed.
They began. Today sparring session more brutal than the last.
°°°
